New deals to be offered to table-topping Torquay United players

Gary Johnson Manager of Torquay United thanks the fans after a fine 4-0 win over Slough, during the Vanarama National League South match between Torquay United and Slough Town at Plainmoor Torquay, Devon on Tuesday 5 January - PHOTO: Sean Hernon/PPAUK

Torquay United are expected to announce new extended contracts for several more of their table-topping players before Gary Johnson's record-breakers resume their pursuit of promotion in a fortnight's time.

Midfield captain Asa Hall and French winger Kalvin Lumbombo Kalala have already agreed new deals, which are believed to cover the rest of this and next season.

In the wake of their latest 4-0 win over ten-man Slough Town, which took United five points clear of the National League South, manager Gary Johnson revealed: "Most of these lads will be offered new deals over the next few days."

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Kalala is regarded as one of the Gulls' hottest prospects, United took on his existing six-month contract when he moved from Cheltenham Town in October, while Hall, 32, who also played under Johnson at Cheltenham two years ago, was signed by former boss Gary Owers last summer.

Of Kalala's deal, Johnson said: "With Kalvin being up in January, that was always going to happen.

"I am very pleased that he's signed a new contract. People have taken to him very quickly, and he's going to be a top player.

"It's also great to get our skipper signed up.

"We both know each other well, and it's fantastic to have Asa on board for a lot longer."

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These moves underline Johnson's belief, illustrated in their recent FA Trophy performance at Boreham Wood, that most of the current squad can handle the step up to the National League, if United can get there at the end of this season.

They must now wait until what should be a full-blooded Westcountry derby at in-form Bath City (4th) on January 19, although second-placed Woking have the chance to narrow the gap to the Gulls when they play one of their games in hand at home to Welling United (6th) on Wednesday night.